How to Get A Free Hotel Room Upgrade

When my friend John posted on Facebook that he received a free hotel room upgrade at a gorgeous place in Venice, the secret to his success came as no surprise to me.

There are so many factors to hotel upgrades that aren’t in our control like previous bookings, but what most people don’t realize is

that the person at the front desk often holds your fate in their hands.

So if you always seem to find yourself right next to the ice machine, you may want to rethink your entrance strategy. When you hit that reception desk don’t let every hour of your flight show on your face you have to as John put it use, “ the old charm.”

When I roll into a new hotel, I like to remember the three S’s.

Smile

There is no faster way to disarm someone than with a smile. If you can manage a greeting in the local language even if you butcher it terribly you’re on the right track.

Share Your Story

Most people have a lot of hometown pride. As you pull your documents together, let some genuine enthusiasm for your destination slip. Are you on your honeymoon? Is the trip a special birthday vacation for yourself? A girl’s weekend with an old friend? There’s no harm in sprinkling a little personality into check-in proceedings.

Say Thank You

It’s crazy how far basic manners and kindness will get you. I once 30% off on a refrigerator for being polite. That’s a lot of money!

Remember,

None of this is going to work if you aren’t sincere, but why shouldn’t you be? You’ve never met this person in your life! So it’s easy to get your relationship off to a good start.

There are no guarantees of course, but what do you have to lose?

When I arrived in Buenos Aires, I was upgraded from a standard room an executive suite with a view of the famous La Recoleta Cemetery. (Not even close to the creepiest place I’ve stayed in.)

The upgrade cost me no more than a friendly greeting.

So that’s it, I see a free hotel room upgrade in your future. Come back and tell me how it went!

Have you ever gotten a free hotel upgrade? What do you think was the most important factor? Share your story in the comment section below, so everyone can learn from your success.

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Hey, I’m Devon!

A writer with a lot of stories to tell. I've traveled all over the world falling into love and trouble. Blessed with an abundance of lessons and experiences, I want to take you on the adventure with me and perhaps inspire you to create some stories of your own.

I believe living your truth is the key to happiness and my life's mission is to help others find the courage to do so.